India has confirmed two Nipah virus cases in West Bengal since December, with health authorities containing the situation amid misinformation and heightened airport screenings in parts of Asia.

Recent reports circulating on social media and some news outlets sparked concern about a Nipah virus outbreak in India, particularly in West Bengal.

However, verified data from the Union Health Ministry and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) clarifies that only two confirmed cases of Nipah Virus Disease (NiVD) have been reported in the state since December 2025, and public health measures have been implemented to contain the situation.

Nipah virus is a rare but potentially deadly zoonotic infection, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, and has no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment. It is classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its high fatality rate and epidemic potential.

The current situation in India has prompted increased surveillance at airports and border checks in several Asian countries, including Thailand, Nepal, Taiwan and others, as a precautionary measure to prevent cross-border spread.

Here's more on what is actually happening, from confirmed cases and containment efforts to how Nipah virus spreads, its symptoms, and preventive measures.

Source:Ndtv